US National Security and Foreign Direct Investment

“. . . a very important and comprehensive assessment of a critical issue in a post–September 11 world. Protecting national security and maintaining an open investment regime are twin imperatives for the United States.”

“Foreign investment and takeovers attract much heat and little light. This book redresses that balance admirably, offering a serious factual analysis of national security concerns and FDI in the United States. I strongly recommend it.”

——Bill Emmott, immediate past editor-in-chief, The Economist

“. . . an insightful analysis of the complex and often emotional issues of foreign ownership of US assets and the national security issues associated with foreign ownership.”

——Lawrence Summers, former secretary of the treasury

Description

Although a vital part of the US economy, foreign direct investment (FDI) in the United States periodically raises public and congressional alarms—as witnessed during Dubai Ports World's recent bid to acquire US port operations and Chinese firm CNOOC's attempt to buy US energy firm Unocal. Drawing fire from Congress are the Exon-Florio provisions of US law, which enable the president to block a foreign acquisition that threatens national security. This important new book finds that many proposed reforms risk harming the US economy without enhancing national security. The authors propose ways to strengthen the current interagency review of deals, including an improved process for reporting to Congress.

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